The 25-year-old was clearly in agony as he was stretchered off and, although Sir Alex Ferguson said ‘it looks like a dislocation and a fracture’, the full extent of the damage was not known before the player had surgery last night.

But Fletcher has tipped his fellow midfielder to get his United career back on track – even if that does mean waiting until next season.

‘Hopefully the scans show it is not as bad as we fear,’ he said. ‘He is a strong character and a good lad. He has real determination and works hard. He will be back, I’m sure. He will have a long future at Manchester United.’